Rib cage pain

Alternative names:

pain in the rib cage

Home care:

Rest and immobilization is the best cure for a rib cage fracture.

Call your health care provider if:

• the pain is persistent, prolonged or unexplained.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting rib cage pain in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did the pain develop?
  • Is it present all the time?
  • Is it getting worse?

• quality
  • How would you describe the pain?
  • Is it a sharp or stabbing sensation?
  • Does it feel like pulling or grabbing?
  • Does it ache like a bruise?
  • Is it a crushing pain?
  • Does it feel like pressure or heaviness?
  • Note: crushing, pressure, or heaviness may be signs of serious chest pain (angina or heart attack) while a sharp pain is usually rib pain.

• location
  • Exactly where is the pain?
  • Is it only on one side?
  • Is it the same on both sides?

• aggravating factors
  • Is the pain worse when bending or twisting?
  • Is it worse when coughing?
  • Is it worse when breathing deeply?
  • Has there been an injury to the chest?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination may include emphasis on the lungs and chest cavity.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• a chest X-ray
• a bone scan (if cancer is suspected)

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to rib cage pain, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.